CASH IN BAND: Optus is making its NFC payments service available on a wristband

Consumers using Cash by Optus — the prepaid NFC SIM-based payments service launched by Australian mobile network operator Optus in November 2014 — can now make payments using a contactless wristband or a sticker attached to their mobile phone.

“Cash by Optus payment accessories use NFC and Visa PayWave technology and allow prepaid and postpaid mobile customers to turn their compatible smartphones into a quick and easy way to make contactless purchases under $100,” the carrier says.

“New and existing Optus mobile customers can sign up for Cash by Optus by jumping online and following the simple instructions. All they need is an Optus prepaid or postpaid mobile account, a compatible smartphone and the Cash by Optus app.”

Depending on their device, customers can then choose from a Cash by Optus Band, Cash by Optus Sticker or the original Cash by Optus SIM card that enables an NFC-equipped Android device to make payments at the point of sale.

Flexibility

“Compatible with a wide range of smartphones that support Cash by Optus, the band is a simple and flexible way to make purchases while out and about without the need for a wallet or phone,” Optus adds. “The band links directly to the Cash by Optus app so payments can be made using only the band, without the linked phone nearby.

“For those customers with a compatible non-Android smartphone who want the ease and convenience of Cash by Optus, then the Payment Sticker is a great solution. The sticker attaches to the back of the device, linking directly to the Cash by Optus app and letting you use your smartphone to pay for goods and services.”

“Optus is excited to expand Cash by Optus with the introduction of the new payment stickers and bands,” says Ben White, acting managing director of product and marketing at the mobile network. “It has always been our aim to bring the ease and convenience of Cash by Optus to as many customers as possible, across a range of smartphones, and these new payment accessories enable us to do just that.

“Backed by two trusted names, Visa and Heritage Bank, Optus is continuing to look at ways to expand Cash by Optus and bring innovative products and services to our customers.”